The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Monday adjourned proceedings in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the conduct of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
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The adjournment came after respondents objected to the petitioners’ attempt to field witnesses, citing late service of the witness schedule list.
Counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the All Progressives Congress legal team—led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), Onyeachi Ikpeazu (SAN), and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN)—argued that the witness schedule list was served just minutes before the tribunal’s session.
Ukala highlighted that the tribunal had previously directed parties to exchange witness lists at least a day before testimony to ensure fairness.
He stated, “The late submission of the list defeats the purpose of the tribunal’s directive and makes it impossible to proceed today. We will be ready to continue tomorrow.”
Supporting Ukala, Agabi and Ikpeazu emphasised that the late service hampered their ability to prepare for cross-examinations, urging the tribunal to adjourn the hearing.
In response, counsel for the petitioners, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), explained the delay, alleging threats against their witnesses by the APC state chairman.
Oyeyipo claimed that a television broadcast by the chairman included threats to apprehend witnesses, creating safety concerns.
“We did not deliberately delay the circulation of the witness list. The threats, which were documented and shared with the third respondent’s counsel, left us uncertain about the safety of our witnesses until Sunday evening,” Oyeyipo stated.
Despite this explanation, Justice Wilfred Kpochi upheld the respondents’ request for adjournment, ruling that they required adequate time to prepare. The hearing was rescheduled for today (Tuesday), for the continuation of proceedings.
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